Method and system for performing a single localized read transaction in which multiple rfid tags are read

ABSTRACT

One embodiment is directed to a method of reading RFID tags in an interconnection system comprising at least one port. The method comprises initiating a localized read transaction to read any RFID tag attached to a first connector and any RFID tag attached to a second connector inserted into the port. The method further comprises, as a part of the localized read transaction, reading any RFID tag configured to respond to a first type of RFID interrogation signal, wherein the first connector comprises an attached RFID tag that is configured to respond to the first type of RFID interrogation signal; and, as a part of the localized read transaction, reading any RFID tag configured to respond to a second type of RFID interrogation signal, wherein the second connector comprises an attached RFID tag that is configured to respond to the second type of RFID interrogation signal. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a Continuation application, claiming priority to, and thebenefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/080,550, titled “METHODAND SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING A SINGLE LOCALIZED READ TRANSACTION IN WHICHMULTIPLE RFID TAGS ARE READ”, filed on Nov. 14, 2013, which claimspriority to, and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 61/727,450, filed on Nov. 16, 2012, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference. This application is also related to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/080,535, filed on Nov. 14, 2013, and titled“LOCALIZED READING OF RFID TAGS LOCATED ON MULTIPLE SIDES OF A PORT FROMA SINGLE SIDE USING RFID COUPLING CIRCUIT AND PORTABLE RFID READER”, andU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/080,554, filed on Nov. 14, 2013, andtitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING POWER AND COMMUNICATION LINK FORRFID MANAGED CONNECTIVITY USING REMOVABLE MODULE”, both of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Patching or other interconnect systems are commonly used incommunication networks in order to provide flexibility in implementinglogical communication links. One example of a patching or interconnectsystem is a patch panel. A patch panel typically includes a panel inwhich a plurality of ports are formed or otherwise housed. Each portincludes a “front” connector (or other attachment mechanism) and a“rear” connector (or other attachment mechanism such as a punch-downblock or permanently attached optical fiber). The port is configured tocommunicatively couple any cable attached to the front connector of thatport to any cable that is attached to the rear of that port. Otherpatching systems are implemented in similar ways.

Many types of physical layer management (PLM) systems have beendeveloped in order to automatically keep track of which cables areattached to which ports of a patching system. In one type of system,each connector that is attached to a front connector of a patch panelhas a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to it. An RFIDreader can then be used to wirelessly read an identifier from each frontconnector's RFID tag in order to keep track of what connectors andcables are attached to the front connectors of the patch panel.Typically, an RFID reader is integrated into the patch panel in order toread such front RFID tags. However, such systems typically do notinclude any mechanism to automatically track the rear connectors orcables.

This type of conventional RFID PLM system is typically used within anenterprise or a central office environment. As a result, such RFID PLMsystems typically have convenient access to power for the activecomponents of the RFID PLM. Also, such enterprise or central officeenvironments typically have convenient access to communication linesthat can be used for “out-of-band” PLM communication purposes. However,this is not always the case in the outside plant of a telecommunicationnetwork, where access to power and communication lines that can be usedfor PLM purposes is typically an issue. Consequently, such RFID PLMsystems have not typically been used in the outside plant.

SUMMARY

One embodiment is directed to a method of reading RFID tags in aninterconnection system comprising at least one port at which aconnection can be made between a first cable having a first connectorassociated with a first side of the port and a second cable having asecond connector associated with a second side of the port. The methodcomprises initiating a localized read transaction to read any RFID tagattached to the first connector and any RFID tag attached to the secondconnector. The method further comprises, as a part of the localized readtransaction, reading any RFID tag configured to respond to a first typeof RFID interrogation signal, wherein the first connector comprises anattached RFID tag that is configured to respond to the first type ofRFID interrogation signal. The method further comprises, as a part ofthe localized read transaction, reading any RFID tag configured torespond to a second type of RFID interrogation signal, wherein thesecond connector comprises an attached RFID tag that is configured torespond to the second type of RFID interrogation signal.

Another embodiment is directed to a system comprising an interconnectionsystem comprising a port having a first side and a second side. Thesystem further comprises a first cable having a first connectorcomprising a first RFID tag and a second cable having a second connectorcomprising a second RFID tag. The system further comprises an RFIDreader. The port is configured so that a connection can be made at theport by inserting the first connector into the first side of the portand by inserting the second connector into the second side of the port,wherein the port is configured to communicatively couple the first cableto the second cable. The RFID reader is configured so that a singlelocalized read transaction can be initiated by a user in order to readboth the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag when inserted into theport. The RFID reader is configured to, as a part of the localized readtransaction, read any RFID tag configured to respond to a first type ofRFID interrogation signal, wherein the first RFID tag is configured torespond to the first type of RFID interrogation signal. The RFID readeris configured to, as a part of the localized read transaction, read anyRFID tag configured to respond to a second type of RFID interrogationsignal, wherein the second RFID tag is configured to respond to thesecond type of RFID interrogation signal.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one exemplary embodiment of a physicallayer management (PLM) system.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the patch panel of the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a connector used in the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a protective cap used in the system in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method ofreading both any front RFID tag inserted into a target adapter and anyrear RFID tag inserted into that adapter.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a physicallayer management (PLM) system.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the patch panel of the system shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram illustrating one example of filtercomponents suitable for use in the system of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-4 show one exemplary embodiment of a physical layer management(PLM) system 100. The PLM system 100 comprises an interconnection system102. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the interconnection system102 comprises an optical patch panel system 102 that includes a panel104 that is supported by a rack 106 or other support structure (forexample, a support structure that is integrated into an enclosure 108that houses the components of the patch panel system 102).

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the patch panel system 102 isconfigured for use in the outside plant of a telecommunication network.In order to protect and secure the components of the patch panel system102, the patch panel system 102 is housed within a weather- andtamper-resistant enclosure 108. Also, in this embodiment, the opticalpatch panel system 102 is configured to operate in an outside plantenvironment where power and communication lines are typically notprovided to the optical patch panel system 102 for PLM purposes.

Although the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 is described here as beingimplemented in the outside plant of a telecommunication network, it isto be understood that other embodiments can be implemented in other ways(for example, in a central office of a telecommunication network, in adata room or a data closet of an enterprise, or an outside plant of atelecommunication network where power and/or communication lines areprovided for PLM purposes).

Multiple ports 110 are supported by the panel 104. Each port 110 isconfigured so that a connection between at least two cables can be madeat that port 110. In the exemplary embodiment show in FIGS. 1-4, eachport 110 is configured to connect a respective front cable 112 to arespective rear cable 114 so that one or more information bearingsignals can be communicated between that front cable 112 and that rearcable 114.

Each port 110 comprises a respective front connector or other attachmentmechanism 116 that is mounted to (or otherwise positioned on or near)the panel 104 so that a respective front cable 112 can be physicallyattached to the front of that port 110. Each port 110 also comprises arespective rear connector or other attachment mechanism 118 that ismounted to (or otherwise positioned on or near) the panel 104 so that arespective rear cable 114 can be physically attached to the rear of thatport 110.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, each port 110 isimplemented using a fiber adapter and is also referred to here as a“fiber adapter 110”. Also, in this embodiment, the fiber adapters 110are supported by the panel 104 and are field replaceable. Morespecifically, each adapter 110 includes a metal clip (or similarstructure) to hold that adapter 110 in place when the adapter 110 isinserted into a corresponding opening formed in the panel 104.

In this exemplary embodiment, the front connector or other attachmentmechanism 116 in each fiber adapter 110 comprises a front optical jack(for example, an SC jack) and is also referred to here as a “frontoptical jack 116”. Likewise, the rear connector or other attachmentmechanism 118 in each fiber adapter 110 comprises a rear optical jack(for example, an SC jack) and is also referred to here as a “rearoptical jack 118”.

In this exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, each front cable 112and each rear cable 114 is implemented using a respective front and rearoptical cable is terminated using a respective optical cable connector120 and 122, respectively. Also, in this example, the front and rearoptical connectors 120 and 122 are implemented using SC connectors andthe adapters 110 are implemented using SC adapters.

It is to be understood, however, that the ports 110 can be implementedin other ways. For example, the ports 110 can be implemented using othertypes of fiber adapters, the ports 110 can be implemented to connectother types of cables (for example, to electrically connect copper frontand rear cables 112 and 114), and/or can be implemented so that thefront connector or other attachment mechanism 116 or the rear connectoror other attachment mechanism 118 is implemented using anon-connectorized attachment mechanism (for example, in the case ofcopper cables, using a punch-down block to which a rear cable 118 can beattached or, in the case of optical fibers, by using a fiber adapterthat is manufactured with an optical pigtail permanently attached to therear of it).

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, each front cableconnector 120 and each rear cable connector 122 (or the associated frontor rear optical cable 112 or 114) has a respective RFID tag 124 attachedto or otherwise associated with it.

Each RFID tag 124 can be attached to the cable connector 120 or 122 (orthe associated front or rear optical cable 112 or 114) in various ways(for example, using a heat-shrink label or tubing, tape, adhesive). TheRFID tag 124 can also be integrated into the cable connector 120 or 122(or the associated front or rear optical cable 112 or 114).

This exemplary embodiment is described here as being implemented usingSC cable connectors that have key tabs formed on one lateral side ofeach SC connector. Each of the jacks in each SC adapter 110 has key slotformed in a lateral side thereof that is configured to receive the keytab on an SC connector so that the SC connector can be inserted into theadapter 110 in only one orientation. In this exemplary embodiment, anRFID tag 124 is attached to the other lateral side of the SC connector(that is, the lateral side that does not have the key tab on it).However, it is to be understood that the RFID tag 124 can be attached tothe cable connectors 120 and 122 or cables 112 and 114 in other ways. Inthe exemplary embodiment described here, as shown in FIG. 3, each RFIDtag 124 is fitted onto the outside surface of each connectors' innerplastic with a cut out in the external plastic, which allows the innerplastic to move in its normal way and not interfere with the normaloperation of the connector. When inserted into the adapter 110 in itsnormal working position, the center of the RFID tag 124 and the centerof the corresponding pickup coil 142 or 144 (described below) will alignwith one another.

Also, in this exemplary embodiment, an RFID tag 124 can be attached to aprotective cap 107 that is configured to be inserted into an adapter 110when it is not in use in order to protect the adapter 110. As shown inFIG. 4, the protective cap 107 comprises a body 109 configured to beinserted into an adapter 110 and an RFID tag 124 attached to the body109 of the protective cap 107. As noted below, the RFID tag 124 attachedto a protective cap 107 can be used for determining if an adapter 110 isunused.

Each RFID tag 124 stores a unique identifier for the associatedconnector 120 or 122 and/or cable 112 or 114. This identifier can beused to identify which cable 112 or 114 is attached to each port 110 ofthe patch panel 102. In some implementations, the RFID tags 124 are usedto store other information and/or are written to as well as read from.Typically, each RFID tag 124 includes a non-volatile memory that is usedto store such information and RFID transponder electronics to enable theRFID tag 124 to be energized by, and communicate with, an RFID reader.

In the following description, for ease of explanation, a “front RFID tag124 inserted into an adapter 110” (or a “front RFID tag” 124) refers toan RFID tag 124 that is attached to a connector or protective cap 107(shown in FIG. 4) that is inserted into a front jack 116 of an adapter110. Likewise, a “rear RFID tag 124 inserted into an adapter 110” (or a“rear RFID tag” 124) refers to an RFID tag 124 that is attached to aconnector or protective cap that is inserted into a rear jack 118 of anadapter 110.

In the exemplary embodiment described here in connection with FIGS. 1-4,the information stored in the RFID tags 124 is read using a portableRFID reader 126. More specifically, in this exemplary embodiment, theportable RFID reader 126 is shown as being implemented using a standardcommercially available handheld RFID reader pen and is also referred tohere as the “handheld” RFID reader 126. However, it is to be understoodthat the RFID tags 124 can be read using other types of portable RFIDreaders (for example, handheld or portable RFID readers having formfactors other than pens).

The handheld RFID reader 126 includes standard RFID reader electronicsfor interrogating an RFID tag 124. More specifically, the RFID reader126 is configured to broadcast a radio frequency (RF) signal that issuitable to energize one or more RFID tags 124 and, in response, causean RFID tag 124 to transmit at least some of the information stored init, which is received by the handheld RFID reader 126.

The RFID reader 126 interacts with a mobile communication device 128. Inthe exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the mobile communicationdevice 128 is implemented using a smartphone and the RFID reader 126 iscommunicatively coupled to a mobile communication device 128 using awireless connection (for example, using a BLUETOOTH wireless connection)so that information read from the RFID tags 124 using the RFID reader126 can be received by software executing on the mobile communicationdevice 128.

The information that is read from the RFID tags 124 can then be used forvarious PLM-related purposes. For example, the information read from theRFID tags 124 can be communicated to a central management system 130that tracks which cables are attached to the patch panel 102. Forexample, information read from the RFID tags 124 can be communicatedfrom the mobile communication device 128 to the management system 130using a cellular wireless communication link supported by the mobilecommunication device 128. Information read from the RFID tags 124 canalso be communicated to the management system 130 using a wireless localarea network communication link that is implemented by the mobilecommunication device 128. Information read from the RFID tags 124 can becommunicated from the mobile communication device 128 to the managementsystem 130 in other ways (for example, using a wired network connection,a direct wired connection, or removable media).

Also, the information read from RFID tags 124 can be used in assisting atechnician in carrying out a work order that, for example, involvesmoving, adding, or otherwise changing a connection that is made at thepatch panel 102. For example, information about a work order that is tobe carried can be downloaded to the mobile communication device 128.Software executing on the mobile communication device 128 provides atechnician using the mobile communication device 128 with step-by-stepdirections for performing the work order. Information that is read fromthe RFID tags 124 can be used by the mobile communication device 128and/or the central management system 130 to assist the technician inperforming the work order. Information read from the RFID tags 124 canbe used to identify a particular connector 116 that is to be affected bya step of a work order. Also, information read from an RFID tag 124after a step of a work order has been performed can be used to confirmthat the step was properly carried out.

The information read from the RFID tags 124 can be used for otherpurposes as well.

In this example, the RFID reader 126 and the RFID tags 124 areconfigured so that the RFID reader 126 can be used to perform a“localized” read of a particular targeted RFID tag 124 by positioningthe antenna of the reader 126 very close to the targeted RFID tag 124(for example, within 10 millimeters). A “localized” read of a particulartargeted RFID tag 124 involves reading only that targeted RFID tag andnot any neighboring RFID tags that may be near that targeted small RFIDtag 124. The ability to read one particular RFID tag 124 and not anyneighboring RFID tags (that is, to perform a localized read) isnecessary for many PLM-related purposes (for example, identifying ortracking a particular connector). This configuration can be done byusing small RFID tags 124, reducing the power level of the interrogationsignal transmitted from the RFID reader 126, and/or using a moreselective antenna in the RFID reader 126. The RFID reader 126 can beconfigured to perform such a localized read in a specific read mode thatis one of many supported by the RFID reader 126.

In some situations, however, it may be difficult or inconvenient toaccess the rear of the patch panel 102 in order to read RFID tags 124attached to the rear cable connectors 122 or rear cables 114 (even usinga handheld RFID reader 126). Also, in some situations, it may bebeneficial to be able perform a localized read of both the front andrear RFID tags 124 inserted into an adapter 110 by placing the handheldRFID reader 126 in a single location and without requiring thetechnician to separately position the handheld RFID reader 126 for eachread. In order to address these issues, in the embodiment described herein connection with FIGS. 1-4, each fiber adapter 110 has an associatedcircuit 140 that is configured to couple a handheld RFID reader 126positioned near the front of the adapter 110 to any front RFID tag 124and any rear RFID tag 124 inserted into that adapter 110. Also, in thisembodiment, the circuit 140 is configured so that the handheld RFIDreader 126 can do this from multiple locations or surfaces on or nearthe respective adapter 110 (including from the rear of the patch panel102) while still retaining the localized nature of such read (that is,where only the intended RFID tags 124 are read and unintended RFID tagsare not read).

In this exemplary embodiment, the circuit 140 (and the componentsthereof) are integrated into the adapter 110, though the circuit 140 canbe implemented in other ways (for example, using a printed circuit board(PCB) or printed foil system that is attached to the adapter 110 orusing a circuit that is integrated into or mounted to the panel 104instead of the individual adapters 110).

In this exemplary embodiment, each circuit 140 includes two pickupcoils—a front pickup coil 142 and a rear pickup coil 144. Also, in thisexemplary embodiment, the circuit 140 includes one or more reader coil146. Although the term “coil” is used here in connection with theexemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 for ease of explanation, it isto be understood that any suitable coupling element or structure can beused. The front pickup coil 142 is positioned on the lateral side of thefront jack 116 in the adapter 110 that does not include the key slot.The front pickup coil 142 is configured so that when a front SCconnector 120 is inserted into the front jack 116, the RFID tag 124attached to the side of the SC connector 120 will be positioned in thecenter of the front pickup coil 142. Similarly, the rear pickup coil 144is positioned on the lateral side of the rear jack 118 in the adapter110 that does not include the key slot. The rear pickup coil 144 isconfigured so that when a rear SC connector 122 is inserted into therear jack 118, the RFID tag 124 attached to the side of the SC connector120 will be positioned in the center of the rear pickup coil 142. It isto be understood that the pickup coils 142 and 144 can be configured inother ways.

Each reader coil 146 is positioned on or near the respective adapter 110in a location other than where the front and rear pickup coils 142 and144 are located. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, onereader coil 146 is used. The reader coil 146 is located on a top surfaceof the front jack 116 in the adapter 110 and is oriented at an angle soas to provide better coupling with the RFID reader 126.

The circuit 140 electrically couples the reader coil 146 to the frontand rear pickup coils 142 and 144. As a result of this coupling, thereader coil 146 provides an additional point on or near the respectiveadapter 110 where the handheld RFID reader 126 can be placed in order toread any front or rear RFID tags 124 inserted into that adapter 110.Moreover, because the reader coil 146 and pickup coils 142 and 144 areall coupled to one another, a technician can place the handheld RFIDreader 126 near any of the reader coil 146 or pickup coils 142 or 144for the adapter 110 and read any front RFID tag 124 inserted into thatadapter 110 and any rear RFID tag 124 inserted into that adapter 110without having to re-position the handheld RFID reader 126. This can beespecially beneficial in outside plant applications (for example, wherethere is poor lighting, which could make it difficult to preciselyposition the handheld RFID reader 126).

Moreover, the reader coil 146 can be positioned in a location where itis more convenient for the technician to place and hold the handheldRFID reader 126, while having the front and rear pickup coils 142 and144 positioned in locations that are more suitable for reading any frontand rear RFID tags 124 and/or that make the adapter 110 and/or panelsystem 102 easier to manufacture, install, service, or secure or thatresult in a more durable or reliable adapter 110 or overall panel system102. Again, this can be especially beneficial in outside plantapplications (for example, where there is poor lighting, which couldmake it difficult to precisely position the handheld RFID reader 126).

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the pickup coils 142 and144 and reader coil 146, for example, are all implemented using a singleloop of a conductor (such as a copper or aluminum wire or stampedmetal)—that is, the pickup coils 142 and 144 and the reader coil 146 areimplemented using different portions of the same loop. Also, in thisexemplary embodiment, the pickup coils 142 and 144 and reader coil 146are embedded into the body of the adapter 110. However, as noted above,the reader and pickup functions of the circuit 140 can be implemented inother ways, for example, using respective true coils coupled inparallel. Such coils can be implemented for example, using respectivewire coils, respective printed circuit board (PCB) spirals, respectivePCB rectangular coils, etc. Moreover, the reader and pickup coils orother coupling elements or structures need not all be implemented thesame way. Also, one or more of the coils can be mounted on a PCB that isattached to each adapter 110, instead of being embedded in the body ofthe adapter 110. Other coupling elements or structures can also be used.

In this example, the single coil circuit 140 is un-tuned and freelyresonant. The inherent coupling factor is achieved in this example byhaving the field associated with the RFID tags 124 and the handheld RFIDreader 126 being inside the inner edge of the pickup coils 142 and 144and the reader coil 146, respectively.

In this exemplary embodiment, as noted above, the handheld RFID reader126 is configured so that the RF field emitted from the handheld RFIDreader 126 is localized or constrained so as to only energize and readthe front and rear RFID tags 124 inserted into one particular adapter110 (which is also referred to here as the “target” adapter 110). Morespecifically, the handheld RFID reader 126 is configured to energize andread the front and rear RFID tags 124 inserted into the “target” adapter110 when the antenna portion of the handheld RFID reader 126 is placedon or very close to the reader coil 146 or the front or rear pickupcoils 142 or 144 for the target adapter 110. For example, the outputpower and/or antenna of the handheld RFID reader 126 can be configuredso as to achieve the desired level of localization or constraint. Also,the reader coil 146 and pickup coils 142 and 144 are configured to havean appropriate level of sensitivity.

As noted above, the circuit 140 electrically couples the reader coils146 to the front and rear pickup coils 142 and 144 so that a techniciancan read both any front RFID tag 124 inserted into that adapter 110 andany rear RFID tag 124 inserted into that adapter 110 by positioning thehandheld RFID reader 126 on or near the reader coil 146 or the pickupcoils 142 or 144 without requiring the technician to re-position thehandheld RFID reader 126. One exemplary way of doing this is involvesthe technician positioning the antenna portion of the handheld RFIDreader 126 on or near the reader coil 146 or pickup coils 142 or 144 ofthe target adapter 110 and initiating a read transaction that reads bothany front RFID tag 124 inserted into the target adapter 110 and a rearRFID tag 124 inserted into the target adapter 110. Typically, thehandheld RFID reader 126 is positioned on or near the reader coil 146 orthe front pickup coil 142 of the target adapter 110 since those coilsare located on the front of the panel 104 and are typically moreconvenient to access than the rear pickup coil 144. However, it is to beunderstood that there may be situations where a technician is accessingthe rear of the panel 104 and may wish to position the handheld RFIDreader 126 on or near the rear pickup coil 144 instead of the readercoil 146 or the front pickup coil 142.

The circuit 140 (more specifically, the reader coil 146 and at least oneof the front and rear pickup coils 142 and 133) is used to enhance theread range of the RFID reader 126 when performing the localized read.

Typically, the handheld RFID reader 126 will include a button, switch,or other mechanism by which a technician can initiate such a readtransaction using the handheld RFID reader 126. Alternatively, such aread transaction can be initiated using software executing on the mobilecommunication device 128.

Once the read transaction is initiated, the handheld RFID reader 126broadcasts a radio frequency (RF) signal that is suitable to energizeany front or rear RFID tags 124 inserted into the target adapter 110and, in response, cause the front and rear RFID tags 124 (if any) totransmit at least some of the information stored in them. One way to dothis uses the standard RFID anti-collision protocols that standard RFIDtags 124 implement to address situations where multiple RFID tags 124attempt to transmits at the same time.

With this approach, in order to read both a front RFID tag 124 and rearRFID tag 124 inserted into a target adapter 110 without requiring thetechnician to separately position the handheld RFID reader 126 for eachread, the handheld RFID reader 126 and/or software executing on themobile communication device 128 are configured to broadcast the RFinterrogation signal and wait until responsive transmissions arereceived from both a front RFID tag 124 and a rear RFID tag 124 or untila timeout period has elapsed. With this approach, the timeout periodthat the handheld RFID reader 126 and/or software executing on themobile communication device 128 wait to receive transmissions should besufficiently long to allow both a front RFID tag 124 and a rear RFID tag124 to transmit their information in the situation where the worst-casedelay is incurred using the standard RFID anti-collision protocol. Also,the handheld RFID reader 126 and/or software executing on the mobilecommunication device 128 are configured to wait in that way beforeproviding any signal to the technician that the read transaction iscomplete.

One issue with this approach is that the standard RFID anti-collisionprotocols may result in such read transactions takes too long.

Another approach makes use of the application family identifier (AFI)defined by the ISO RFID standards. In general, when the AFI is used, theRFID tags are configured to respond only to only a particular type ofRFID interrogation signal (that is, an RFID interrogation signal thatincludes an AFI byte with a particular value).

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram that illustrates an exemplary embodiment of amethod 500 of reading both any front RFID tag 124 inserted into a targetadapter 110 and any rear RFID tag 124 inserted into that adapter 110.The exemplary embodiment of method 500 shown in FIG. 5 uses RFID tags124 that are each configured to respond a particular type of RFIDinterrogation signal. This is done to read multiple RFID tags 124 in away that is faster than simply using the standard RFID anti-collisionprotocol. This exemplary embodiment of method 500 is described here asbeing implemented using the system 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4, though it isto be understood that other embodiments can be implemented in otherways.

In this embodiment, each of the RFID tags 124 is configured to respondan RFID interrogation signal that includes a particular AFI value. Inthis embodiment, three different AFI values are used. A first AFI valueis assigned to rear RFID tags 124 that are attached to rear SCconnectors 122 that are inserted into the rear jack 118 of the adapters110, a second AFI value is assigned to front RFID tags 124 that areattached to front SC connectors 120 that are inserted into front jacks116 of the adapters 110, and a third AFI value is assigned to the RFIDtags 124 that are attached to protective caps 107 that are inserted intothe front jacks 116 of unused front jacks 116.

The RFID tag 124 attached to the protective cap 107 is used to determineif a jack of the adapter 110 is unused. That is, if a jack of an adapter110 has a protective cap 107 in it (which is determined by reading theRFID tag 124 attached to the protective cap), the jack is considered tobe unused.

Method 500 comprises positioning the antenna portion of the handheldRFID reader 126 on or near the reader coil 146 or pickup coils 142 or144 of the target adapter 110 (block 502). As noted above, the handheldRFID reader 126 is typically positioned on or near one of the readercoil 146 or the front pickup coil 142 since those coils are located onthe front of the panel 104 and are typically more convenient to accessthan the rear pickup coil 144. However, as noted above, it is to beunderstood that there may be situations where a technician is accessingthe rear of the panel 104 and may wish to position the handheld RFIDreader 126 on or near the rear pickup coil 144 instead of the readercoil 146 or the front pickup coil 142.

Method 500 further comprises initiating a localized read transactionthat reads both any front RFID tag 124 inserted into the target adapter110 and any rear RFID tag 124 inserted into the target adapter 110(block 504). The technician can initiate the localized read transactionby pressing a button (or other switch or trigger) on the handheld RFIDreader 126 or by using the software executing on the mobilecommunication device 128.

When a localized read transaction is initiated, the handheld reader 126first reads any RFID tag 124 that is configured to respond to a firsttype of RFID interrogation signal (block 506). This is done in alocalized manner. That is, this localized read is done so that only anRFID tag 124 attached to a connector inserted into the targeted adapter110 will be read and not an RFID tag 124 attached to a connectorinserted into a neighboring adapter 110. In this exemplary embodiment,the first type of RFID interrogation signal is an RFID interrogationsignal that includes a first AFI value, and only those RFID tags 124that have the first AFI value assigned to them respond to such an RFIDinterrogation signal. In this exemplary embodiment, rear RFID tags 124attached to rear SC connectors 122 that are inserted into the rear jack118 of the adapters 110 are assigned the first AFI value.

In this exemplary embodiment, when the handheld RFID reader 126 readsany RFID tag 124 inserted into the adapter 110 that has the first AFIvalue assigned to it, the handheld RFID reader 126 broadcasts aninterrogation signal that includes the first AFI value. Any rear RFIDtag 124 inserted into the target adapter 110 will be energized by thebroadcast interrogation signal and will determine that the broadcastinterrogation signal includes the first AFI value. As a result, the rearRFID tag 124 will respond to that broadcast interrogation signal bytransmitting the information stored in the RFID tag 124.

Any front RFID tag 124 inserted into the front jack 116 of the targetadapter 110 (either an RFID tag 124 attached to a front SC connector 120or an RFID tag 124 attached to a protective cap 107) will also beenergized by the interrogation signal broadcast by the handheld RFIDreader 126 during this first read but will determine that theinterrogation signal does not include the AFI value assigned to thoseRFID tags 124 and, as a result, will not respond to that interrogationsignal. Therefore, the anti-collision protocols will not need to be usedto prevent the RFID tags 124 from transmitting at the same time as therear RFID tag 124 having the first AFI value assigned to it.

The handheld reader 126 will continue to broadcast this firstinterrogation signal and wait for a response from any rear RFID tag 124inserted into the target adapter 110 having the first AFI value assignedto it until any such RFID tag 124 has responded or a timeout period haselapsed. In this example, the timeout period is set to providesufficient time for any rear RFID tag 124 inserted into the targetadapter 110 having the first AFI value assigned to it to respond to theinterrogation signal.

After the handheld reader 126 has received a response from any rear RFIDtag 124 inserted into the target adapter 110 that is configured toconfigured to respond to a first type of RFID interrogation signal orthe timeout period has elapsed, the handheld reader 126 reads any RFIDtag 124 that is configured to respond to a second type of RFIDinterrogation signal (block 508). This is done in a localized manner sothat only an RFID tag 124 attached to a connector inserted into thetargeted adapter 110 will be read and not an RFID tags 124 attached to aconnector inserted into a neighboring adapter 110. In this exemplaryembodiment, the second type of RFID interrogation signal is an RFIDinterrogation signal that includes a second AFI value, and only thoseRFID tags 124 that have the second AFI value assigned to them respond tosuch an RFID interrogation signal. In this exemplary embodiment, frontRFID tags 124 attached to the front SC connectors 120 that are insertedinto the front jack 116 of the adapters 110 are assigned the second AFIvalue.

In this exemplary embodiment, when the handheld RFID reader 126 readsany RFID tag 124 inserted into the adapter 110 that has the second AFIvalue assigned to it, the handheld RFID reader 126 broadcasts aninterrogation signal that includes the second AFI value. Any front RFIDtag 124 inserted into the target adapter 110 will be energized by thebroadcast interrogation signal and will determine that the broadcastinterrogation signal includes the second AFI value. As a result, thefront RFID tag 124 will respond to that broadcast interrogation signalby transmitting the information stored in the RFID tag 124.

Any rear RFID tag 124 inserted into the rear jack 118 of the targetadapter 110 or any front RFID tag 124 attached to a protective cap 107will also be energized by the interrogation signal broadcast by thehandheld RFID reader 126 during this second read but will determine thatthe interrogation signal does not include the AFI value assigned tothose RFID tags 124 and, as a result, will not respond to thatinterrogation signal. Therefore, the anti-collision protocols will notneed to be used to prevent the RFID tags 124 from transmitting at thesame time as the front RFID tag 124 having the second AFI value assignedto it.

If the handheld reader 126 receives a response from a front RFID tag 124inserted into the target adapter 110 that is configured to respond tothe second type of RFID interrogation signal (checked in block 510), theread transaction is complete (block 512).

If the timeout period elapses with the handheld reader 126 not receivinga response from any front RFID tag 124 inserted into the target adapter110 that is configured to respond to the second type of RFIDinterrogation signal, the handheld reader 126 reads any RFID tag 124configured to respond to a third type of RFID interrogation signal(block 514). In this exemplary embodiment, the third type of RFIDinterrogation signal is an RFID interrogation signal that includes athird AFI value, and only those RFID tags 124 that have the third AFIvalue assigned to them respond to such an RFID interrogation signal. Inthis exemplary embodiment, front RFID tags 124 attached to protectivecaps 107 that are inserted into the front jack 116 of the adapters 110are assigned the third AFI value.

In this exemplary embodiment, when the handheld RFID reader 126 readsany RFID tag 124 inserted into the adapter 110 that is configured torespond to the third type of RFID interrogation signal, the handheldRFID reader 126 broadcasts an interrogation signal that includes thethird AFI value. Any such front RFID tag 124 inserted into the targetadapter 110 will be energized by the broadcast interrogation signal andwill determine that the broadcast interrogation signal includes thethird AFI value. As a result, the front RFID tag 124 will respond tothat broadcast interrogation signal by transmitting the informationstored in the RFID tag 124.

Any rear RFID tag 124 inserted into the rear jack 118 of the targetadapter 110 or any front RFID tag 124 attached to a front SC connector120 will also be energized by the interrogation signal broadcast by thehandheld RFID reader 126 during this third read but will determine thatthe interrogation signal does not include the AFI value assigned tothose RFID tags 124 and, as a result, will not respond to thatinterrogation signal. Therefore, the anti-collision protocols will notneed to be used to prevent the RFID tags 124 from transmitting at thesame time as the front RFID tag 124 having the third AFI value assignedto it.

After the handheld reader 126 has received a response from any frontRFID tag 124 inserted into the target adapter 110 that is configured torespond to the third type of Interrogation signal or the timeout periodhas elapsed, the read transaction is complete (block 512).

As noted above, AFI values are used to prevent more than one RFID tag124 inserted into the target adapter 110 from transmitting at the sametime without having to use the standard RFID anti-collision protocols.In this way, the delays associated with using the standard RFIDanti-collision protocols can be avoided and the overall speed of theread transaction can be increased while at the same time enabling thereading of any front and rear RFID tags 124 inserted into a targetadapter 110 in a way that does not require a technician to separatelyposition the RFID reader 126 to read each of the RFID tags 124 and toinitiate a separate read operation for each RFID tag 124 inserted intothe adapter 110.

FIGS. 6-8 show another exemplary embodiment of a physical layermanagement (PLM) system 600. The PLM system 600 comprises aninterconnection system 602 (specifically, an optical patch panel system602). In general, the PLM system 600 and patch panel system 602 aregenerally the same as the PLM system 100 and patch panel system 102described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4, except as described below.The elements of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8 that aresimilar to corresponding elements of the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-4 are referenced in FIGS. 6-8 using the same reference numeralsused in FIGS. 1-4 but with the leading numeral changed from a “1” to a“6”. Except as described below, the description of the elements setforth above in connection with the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS.1-4 applies to the corresponding elements of the exemplary embodimentshown in FIGS. 6-8 but generally will not be repeated in connection withFIGS. 6-8 for the sake of brevity.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, each port 610 isimplemented using an intelligent fiber adapter 610. As with the adapters110 used in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, in the embodiment shownin FIGS. 6-8, the fiber adapters 610 are supported by the panel 604 andare field replaceable.

In this exemplary embodiment, each adapter 610 includes a circuit 640that includes front and rear pickup coils 642 and 644 that, except asdescribed below, generally function the same as the front and rearpickup 142 and 144 shown in FIGS. 1-4. Moreover, in this exemplaryembodiment, the circuit 640 of each adapter 610 includes one or morelight emitting diodes (LEDs) or other visual indicators 611.

Also, the LED 611 itself can be used as the primary visual indicator orcan be used to illuminate some other elements (for example, a light pipematerial in the adapter, connector, or protective cap that is used toprovide a visual indicator in a more visible or suitable location and/ora boot of a connector inserted into the associated adapter). Examples ofsuch illumination techniques are described in U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/727,343, filed on even date herewith andentitled “INDICATING COMMUNICATIONS COMPONENTS VIA ILLUMINATION”, whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference.

In this exemplary embodiment, the components of each of circuit 640 areembedded into the body of the associated adapter 610. It is to beunderstood, however, that other embodiments can be implemented in otherways, for example, by mounting the components of the circuit 640 to aPCB, which in turn is attached to the corresponding adapter 610. Oneexample of such a PCB-based approach is described in U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/670,357, filed on Jul. 11, 2012 and entitled“RFID-Enabled Fiber Adapter”, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

The pickup coils 642 and 644 for multiple adapters 610 arecommunicatively coupled to a single RFID reader 626 that is mounted tothe panel 604. Also, LEDs 611 for multiple adapters 610 arecommunicatively coupled to a single LED controller 613 that is mountedto the panel 604. The LED controller 613 is configured to turn the LEDs611 on and off (for example, to provide a visual indication to atechnician in connection with the technician carrying out an electronicwork order).

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, the pickup coils 642 and644 for all of the adapters 610 are coupled to the same RFID reader 626,and the LEDs 611 for all of the adapters 610 are coupled to the same LEDcontroller 613.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, a multiplexer 615mounted to the panel 604 is used to selectively couple the RFID reader626 and the LED controller 613 to the circuit 640 for one of theadapters 610 in the panel 604. Also, a system controller 617 is mountedto the panel 604 and is communicatively coupled to the RFID reader 626and the LED controller 613.

Each circuit 640 is coupled to the multiplexer 615 using two lines thatare used both for coupling the pickup coils 642 and 644 to the RFIDreader 626 and for coupling the LED 611 to the LED controller 613. FIG.7 shows one example of a circuit 640 that is configured for use incontrolling the LEDs 611 associated with an adapter 610 and forcommunicating with the pickup coils 642 and 644 using the same twolines. In this example, the LED controller 613 controls the LEDs 611using direct current (DC) signals, whereas the RFID reader 626interrogates RFID tags 624 inserted into that adapter 610 (via thepickup coils 642 and 644) using radio frequency (RF) AC signals. Thecircuit 640 includes appropriate filter components that isolate the DCsignals used for controlling the LEDs 611 and the RF AC signals used forinterrogating RFID tags 624 from one another. One example of suchfiltering components is shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 8, one or moreinductors and diodes are used to isolate the DC signals used forcontrolling the LEDs 611, and one or more capacitors are used to isolatethe AC signals used for interrogating RFID tags 624. It is to beunderstood, however, that FIG. 8 illustrates only one example and theother embodiments can be implemented in other ways.

An X-Y array is used to selectively couple the multiplexer 615 to thecircuit 640 of one of the adapters 610. In this example, all of theadapters 610 in each row of the panel 602 share a common “row” line 619that is connected to a respective row I/O terminal of the multiplexer615. Also, all of the adapters 610 in each column of the panel 602 sharea common “column” line 621 that is connected to a respective column I/Oterminal of the multiplexer 615. Under the control of the systemcontroller 617, the multiplexer 615 is able select one of the adapters610 by coupling one of its row I/O terminals (and the corresponding rowline 619 connected to it) and one of its column I/O terminals (and thecorresponding column line 621 connected to it) to the RFID reader 626and the LED controller 613. This causes the circuit 640 of the adapter610 located at the selected row and column to be coupled to the RFIDreader 626 and the LED controller 613. The number of control lines inthe system 100 is greatly reduced by using the same lines in the X-Yarray for coupling the pickup coils 642 and 644 to the RFID reader 626and for coupling the LED 611 to the LED controller 613.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, the panel 604 isimplemented using a printed circuit board in which openings are formedinto which each of the adapters 610 is inserted. The PCB that is used toimplement the panel 604 of the patch panel system 602 includes, for eachadapter 610, a pair of edge plated pads 623 on the top and bottom of theopening. For each adapter 610, one of the pads 623 terminates the rowline 619 for that adapter and the other of the pads 623 terminates thecolumn line 621 for that adapter 610.

Each adapter 610 has a pair of contacts 625, each of which comes intocontact with one of the pads 623 when the adapter 610 is inserted intothe opening on the panel 604. The contacts 625 electrically couple thecircuit 640 (and the components thereof) to the lines 619 and 621. Inthe example shown in FIGS. 6-8, the body of each adapter 610 has amiddle ridge that, when the adapter 610 is inserted into an opening inthe panel 604, comes into contact with the face of the panel 604 andprevents the adapter 610 from sliding through the opening. In thisexample, the contacts 625 for each adapter 610 are formed on the top andbottom surface of the rear portion of the body of the adapter 610 nearthe middle ridge that comes into contact with the face of the panel 604.Likewise, the edge pads 623 for each adapter 610 are formed on the panel604 near the bottom and top of the opening in locations that come willcome into physical contact with the contacts 625 formed on the adapter610 when it is fully inserted into that opening. It is to be understood,however, that the contacts 625 and edge pads 623 can be located in otherlocations (for example, the contacts 625 for the adapter 610 can beintegrated into clips that are used to hold the adapter 610 in theopening of the panel 604).

In exemplary embodiment, the lines 619 and 621 are formed on or in theprinted circuit board from which the panel 604 is formed. For ease ofillustration, the lines 619 and 621 are visible in FIG. 6. However, inone implementation, the panel 604 is formed to appear as a conventionalmetal panel used in conventional patch panels by painting (or otherwisecovering) the printed circuit board (and the lines 619 and 621 formedtherein or thereon) with a color of the type used on conventional metalpanels.

In the exemplary embodiment show in FIGS. 6-8, the patch panel system602 is configured for use in the outside plant of a telecommunicationnetwork where power and communication lines are typically not providedto the patch panel system 602 for PLM purposes.

The patch panel system 602 includes an interface 648 to which a portablepower and communication module 650 can be connected in order to providepower to the active components of the system 600 (for example, the LEDs611, LED controller 613, multiplexer 615, system controller 617, andRFID reader 626) and a wireless communication link to a mobilecommunication device 628 used by a technician.

The portable power and communication module 650 includes a suitableconnector 652 to connect to the interface 648 of the patch panel system602 (for example, using a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or other connectorthat supports both communications and power). Also, the patch panelsystem 602 includes some mechanism to hold or otherwise support theportable power and communication module 650 while it is connected to thepatch panel system 602 so that the technician need not hold it whileworking at the panel system 602.

The portable power and communication module 650 includes a rechargeablebattery 654 that is used to supply power to the active components of thepatch panel system 602 over the connector 652 and interface 648. Also,the portable power and communication module 650 further includes abattery charger 656 that can be used to connect the portable power andcommunication module 650 to a power source for charging the rechargeablebattery 654.

The portable power and communication module 650 also includes acontroller 658 that, when the module 650 is connected to the patch panelsystem 602, communicates with the system controller 617 in the patchpanel system 602 over the connector 652. The portable power andcommunication module 650 includes a wireless transceiver 660 (forexample, a wireless transceiver that implements a BLUETOOTH wirelesslink) for communicating with a mobile communication device 628 used by atechnician. The portable power and communication module 650 can beconfigured to communicate with the mobile communication device 628 inother ways (for example, using other types of wireless links and/orusing wired links).

In operation, the portable power and communication module 650 istypically connected to an AC mains outlet to charge the rechargeablebattery 654 when the portable power and communication module 650 is notconnected to, and is away from, a patch panel system 602. Then, afterthe rechargeable battery 654 is charged, the portable power andcommunication module 650 can be brought to a patch panel system 602 andconnected to the interface 648 of the patch panel system 602 in order toprovide power to the patch panel system 602. Also, when the portablepower and communication module 650 is connected to the interface 648 andthe components of the patch panel system 602 are powered on, theportable controller 658 and the system controller 617 are able tocommunicate with one another over the connector 652 and interface 648.The portable power and communication module 650 also pairs with (orotherwise connects to) the mobile communication device 628 used by thetechnician over a wireless connection.

Then, software executing on the mobile communication device 628 cancause the RFID reader 626 in the patch panel system 602 to poll all ofthe adapters 610 in the system 602. That is, the multiplexer 617successively selects each of the adapters 610 (using the row and columnlines 619 and 621 for that adapter 610) and couples the pickup coils 622and 644 for the selected adapter 610 to the RFID reader 626, which canthen read any front and rear RFID tags 624 inserted into the selectedadapter 610. AFI values can be used to distinguish between RFID tags 624attached to protective caps 607, front connectors 620, and rearconnectors 622 in a similar manner as described above in connection withFIG. 5. The information that is read from the RFID tags 624 can be usedas described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4 (for example, theinformation can be communicated to the central management system 630using a cellular or wireless local area network link provided betweenthe mobile communication device 628 and the central management system630).

Also, the software executing on the mobile communication device 628 canturn on and off various LEDs 611 in the patch panel system 602 (forexample, to guide the technician to a particular adapter 610 that shouldbe affected by a particular move, add, or change of a connection as apart of carrying out an electronic work order). To do this, themultiplexer 617 selects one of the adapters 610 (using the row andcolumn lines 619 and 621 for that adapter 610) and couples the LED 611for that adapter 610 to the LED controller 613, which can then turn theLED 611 on or off.

After the technician is done working at that patch panel system 602, theportable power and communication module 650 can be removed from theinterface 648 and taken to new location.

In this way, a permanent power line (or other power source) andcommunication link need not be provided to the patch panel system 602solely for physical-layer management purposes.

These techniques can be applied to other types of devices (for example,other types of adapters and connectors, as wells as other similardevices, etc.).

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that various modifications to the described embodiments maybe made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimedinvention. Also, combinations of the individual features of theabove-described embodiments are considered within the scope of theinventions disclosed here.

Example Embodiments

Example 1 includes a method of reading RFID tags in an interconnectionsystem comprising at least one port at which a connection can be madebetween a first cable having a first connector associated with a firstside of the port and a second cable having a second connector associatedwith a second side of the port, the method comprising: initiating alocalized read transaction to read any RFID tag attached to the firstconnector and any RFID tag attached to the second connector; as a partof the localized read transaction, reading any RFID tag configured torespond to a first type of RFID interrogation signal, wherein the firstconnector comprises an attached RFID tag that is configured to respondto the first type of RFID interrogation signal; and as a part of thelocalized read transaction, reading any RFID tag configured to respondto a second type of RFID interrogation signal, wherein the secondconnector comprises an attached RFID tag that is configured to respondto the second type of RFID interrogation signal.

Example 2 includes the method of Example 1, wherein the first type ofRFID interrogation signal comprises an RFID interrogation signal thatincludes a first application family identifier (AFI) value, whereinreading any RFID tag configured to respond to a first type of RFIDinterrogation signal comprises reading any RFID tag configured torespond to an RFID interrogation signal including the first AFI value;and wherein the second type of RFID interrogation signal comprises anRFID interrogation signal that includes a second AFI value, whereinreading any RFID tag configured to respond to a second type of RFIDinterrogation signal comprises reading any RFID tag configured torespond to an RFID interrogation signal including the second AFI value.

Example 3 includes the method of any of the Examples 1-2, furthercomprising, if reading any RFID tag configured to respond to a secondtype of RFID interrogation signal is not successful, reading any RFIDtag configured to respond to a third type of RFID interrogation signal.Example 4 includes the method of any of the Examples 1-3, wherein anRFID tag attached to a protective cap is configured to respond to thethird type of RFID interrogation signal, wherein reading the RFID tagattached to the protective cap is used to determine if the first orsecond side of the port is unused.

Example 5 includes the method of any of the Examples 1-4, wherein theport comprises an adapter comprising a front jack associated with thefirst side of the port and a rear jack associated with the second sideof the port. Example 6 includes the method of Example 5, wherein theadapter further comprises a coupling circuit to couple an RFID reader tothe first and second RFID tags when the first and second connectors,respectively, are inserted into the first and second sides of the port.

Example 7 includes the method of Example 6, wherein the coupling circuitcomprises first and second pickup coils; wherein the first pickup coilis configured so that the first RFID tag will be positioned near thefirst pickup coil when the first connector is inserted into the firstside of the port; and wherein the second pickup coil is configured sothat the second RFID tag will be positioned near the second pickup coilwhen the second connector is inserted into the second side of the port.

Example 8 includes a system comprising: an interconnection systemcomprising a port having a first side and a second side; a first cablehaving a first connector comprising a first RFID tag; a second cablehaving a second connector comprising a second RFID tag; and an RFIDreader; wherein the port is configured so that a connection can be madeat the port by inserting the first connector into the first side of theport and by inserting the second connector into the second side of theport, wherein the port is configured to communicatively couple the firstcable to the second cable; wherein the RFID reader is configured so thata single localized read transaction can be initiated by a user in orderto read both the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag when insertedinto the port; wherein the RFID reader is configured to, as a part ofthe localized read transaction, read any RFID tag configured to respondto a first type of RFID interrogation signal, wherein the first RFID tagis configured to respond to the first type of RFID interrogation signal;and wherein the RFID reader is configured to, as a part of the localizedread transaction, read any RFID tag configured to respond to a secondtype of RFID interrogation signal, wherein the second RFID tag isconfigured to respond to the second type of RFID interrogation signal.

Example 9 includes the system of Example 8, wherein the first type ofRFID interrogation signal comprises an RFID interrogation signal thatincludes a first application family identifier (AFI) value, wherein theRFID reader is configured to, as a part of the localized readtransaction, read any RFID tag configured to respond to an RFIDinterrogation signal including the first AFI value, wherein the firstRFID tag is configured to respond to an RFID interrogation signalincluding the first AFI value; and wherein the second type of RFIDinterrogation signal comprises an RFID interrogation signal thatincludes a second AFI value, wherein the RFID reader is configured to,as a part of the localized read transaction, read any RFID tagconfigured to respond to an RFID interrogation signal including thesecond AFI value, wherein the second RFID tag is configured to respondto an RFID interrogation signal including the second AFI value.

Example 10 includes the system of any of the Examples 8-9, wherein theRFID reader is configured to, if the RFID reader is not successful inreading an RFID tag configured to respond to the second type of RFIDinterrogation signal, read any RFID tag configured to respond to a thirdtype of RFID interrogation signal as a part of the localized readtransaction.

Example 11 includes the system of Example 10, wherein an RFID tagattached to a protective cap is configured to respond to the third typeof RFID interrogation signal, wherein reading the RFID tag attached tothe protective cap is used to determine if the first or second side ofthe port is unused.

Example 12 includes the system of any of the Examples 8-11, wherein theport comprises an adapter comprising a front jack associated with thefirst side of the port and a rear jack associated with the second sideof the port.

Example 13 includes the system of Example 12, wherein the adapterfurther comprises a coupling circuit to couple the RFID reader to thefirst and second RFID tags when the first and second connectors,respectively, are inserted into the first and second sides of the port.

Example 14 includes the system of Example 13, wherein the couplingcircuit comprises first and second pickup coils; wherein the firstpickup coil is configured so that the first RFID tag will be positionednear the first pickup coil when the first connector is inserted into thefirst side of the port; and wherein the second pickup coil is configuredso that the second RFID tag will be positioned near the second pickupcoil when the second connector is inserted into the second side of theport.

Example 15 includes the system of any of the Examples 8-14, wherein theinterconnection system comprises an optical patch panel systemconfigured for use in the outside plant of a telecommunications network.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of reading RFID tags at a portconfigured to make a connection between a first cable having a firstconnector associated with the port and a second cable having a secondconnector associated with the port, the method comprising: performing alocalized read transaction that is targeted to read a first RFID tagattached to the first connector and that is targeted to read a secondRFID tag attached to the second connector; wherein performing thelocalized read transaction comprises: reading the first RFID tag,wherein the first RFID tag is configured to respond to a first RFIDinterrogation signal that is transmitted; and reading the second RFIDtag, wherein the second RFID tag is configured to respond to a secondRFID interrogation signal that is transmitted.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the first RFID interrogation signal comprises an RFIDinterrogation signal that includes a first application family identifier(AFI) value, wherein reading the first RFID tag configured to respond toa first RFID interrogation signal comprises reading the first RFID tagconfigured to respond to an RFID interrogation signal including thefirst AFI value; and wherein the second RFID interrogation signalcomprises an RFID interrogation signal that includes a second AFI value,wherein reading the second RFID tag configured to respond to a secondRFID interrogation signal comprises reading the second RFID tagconfigured to respond to an RFID interrogation signal including thesecond AFI value.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, ifreading the second RFID tag configured to respond to a second RFIDinterrogation signal is not successful, reading a third RFID tagconfigured to respond to a third RFID interrogation signal.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein an RFID tag attached to a protective cap isconfigured to respond to a third RFID interrogation signal that istransmitted, wherein reading the RFID tag attached to the protective capis used to determine if a first or second side of the port is unused. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein the port comprises an adapter comprisinga front jack associated with a first side of the port and a rear jackassociated with a second side of the port.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein the adapter further comprises a coupling circuit to couple anRFID reader to the first and second RFID tags when the first and secondconnectors, respectively, are inserted into the first and second sidesof the port.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the coupling circuitcomprises first and second pickup coils; wherein the first pickup coilis configured so that the first RFID tag will be positioned near thefirst pickup coil when the first connector is inserted into the firstside of the port; and wherein the second pickup coil is configured sothat the second RFID tag will be positioned near the second pickup coilwhen the second connector is inserted into the second side of the port.8. The method of claim 6, wherein the coupling circuit comprises areader coil located on a surface of the first side of the port, whereinthe reader coil is oriented at an angle with regards to the surface. 9.A system comprising: a port; a first cable having a first connectorcomprising a first RFID tag; a second cable having a second connectorcomprising a second RFID tag; and an RFID reader; wherein the port isconfigured so that a connection can be made between the first cable andthe second cable by inserting the first connector and by inserting thesecond connector into the port, wherein the port is configured tocommunicatively couple the first cable to the second cable; and whereinthe RFID reader is configured so that a single localized readtransaction can be initiated by a user that is targeted to read thefirst RFID tag in response to a first RFID interrogation signal that istransmitted and that is targeted to read the second RFID tag in responseto a second RFID interrogation signal that is transmitted.
 10. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the first RFID interrogation signal comprisesan RFID interrogation signal that includes a first application familyidentifier (AFI) value, wherein the RFID reader is configured to, as apart of the localized read transaction, read any RFID tag configured torespond to an RFID interrogation signal including the first AFI value,wherein the first RFID tag is configured to respond to an RFIDinterrogation signal including the first AFI value; and wherein thesecond RFID interrogation signal comprises an RFID interrogation signalthat includes a second AFI value, wherein the RFID reader is configuredto, as a part of the localized read transaction, read any RFID tagconfigured to respond to an RFID interrogation signal including thesecond AFI value, wherein the second RFID tag is configured to respondto an RFID interrogation signal including the second AFI value.
 11. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the RFID reader is configured to, if the RFIDreader is not successful in reading the second RFID tag configured torespond to the second type of RFID interrogation signal, read a thirdRFID tag configured to respond to a third RFID interrogation signal thatis transmitted as a part of the localized read transaction.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein an RFID tag attached to a protective cap isconfigured to respond to the third RFID interrogation signal, whereinreading the RFID tag attached to the protective cap is used to determineif a first or second side of the port is unused.
 13. The system of claim9, wherein the port comprises an adapter comprising a front jackassociated with a first side of the port and a rear jack associated witha second side of the port.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein theadapter further comprises a coupling circuit to couple the RFID readerto the first and second RFID tags when the first and second connectors,respectively, are inserted into the first and second sides of the port.15. The system of claim 14, wherein the coupling circuit comprises firstand second pickup coils; wherein the first pickup coil is configured sothat the first RFID tag will be positioned near the first pickup coilwhen the first connector is inserted into the first side of the port;and wherein the second pickup coil is configured so that the second RFIDtag will be positioned near the second pickup coil when the secondconnector is inserted into the second side of the port.
 16. The methodof claim 14, wherein the coupling circuit comprises a reader coillocated on a surface of the first side of the port, wherein the readercoil is oriented at an angle with regards to the surface.
 17. The systemof claim 9, wherein the interconnection system comprises an opticalpatch panel system configured for use in the outside plant of atelecommunications network.